really great and good service. Other people had much worse experiences with other operators
All the experience was very good. We had a great guide, and our own vehicle while others were jammed into shared cars etc.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
It was a trip of a lifetime that was so well organised we felt relaxed as soon as we landed in Kenya
Communication was excellent. It was a special trip because it was my husband and my 25th anniversary as well as my sons 18th and 21st. My husband was emailing Maurice regularly for 3 or so months with questions, changes and requests and nothing was too much bother. He was so accommodating and helpful. We even had an issue that my older son might not have been able to join us and Maurice was able to change pricing for us.
We were delighted to meet Maurice on our arrival in Nairobi and he stayed in constant contact with us and our driver throughout the whole 3 weeks. Also all the pickups organised by Maurice went like clockwork.
Our safari itinerary was great and tailored to our requests. We had 1 night in some camps and 2 nights in others which was perfect and allowed some down time from travelling. It was generally early mornings which suited us fine and we travelled between parks in the morning arriving by lunch normally to be able to settle in and enjoy the park and camp.
All the camps and lodges were wonderful. We all had different favourites for different reasons. I loved Basecamp Mara because the setting was beautiful and we had our breakfast looking over the river to the national park. Our balcony also looked over and we saw warthogs, giraffes, monkeys and elephants walking by. My oldest son loved the Kibo safari camp in Amboseli because the food was good, the rooms beautiful and he enjoyed the friendly atmosphere in the bar sitting around the fire telling tales of animal sightings. My youngest son thought Ashnil Aruba Lodge in Tsavo East was best because we had rooms that looked over to the watering hole and saw hosts of animals and at night we were luck enough to have 2 lions sitting about 10 meters away (on the other side of an electric fence). My husbands favourite was the Lions Bluff because of the spectacular views and the relaxed atmosphere. In fact all the lodges/camps were fantastic and we felt we always got the best rooms/tents available. We were also treated to cakes, special dances and our bed decorated with petals because Maurice had told them it was our anniversary.
The hotel we went to in Diani also lived up to expectations. The Papillon Lagoon Reef was a very well run and clean hotel. The food was very varied and tasty and the staff were very accommodating. We enjoyed relaxing there and exploring the near by area.
We also had a few nights in a lodge called the Swara Acacia near Niarobi before we flew home. This was a great place because we were able to walk out onto the private reserve and get very close to the animals. It was very laid back and very quiet. On one night we were the only people there. It is in the process of being renovated but it didn't case for disruption to our holiday.
Our safaris were all very good. We visited seven different parks/reserves and each had different merits. The Mara certainly had an abundance of animals but we also enjoyed all the other parks. We saw the big 5 as well as some other amazing sights such as a fishing-eagle swoop down to take a fish in Navasha during the boat trip organised by Maurice. Not to forget, watching at least 25 hyenas swimming out in small groups to feed on a deceased hippo.
Our safari driver Muli was fantastic. He was very knowledgeable about the animals and different parks. He quite obviously loved his job and could spot animals in the distance. We called him the Magician because he could conjure up all the animals we talked about. He asked us what out top animals were and then he ensured that we got to see them. He would take us on much longer drives than other drivers which was fantastic for us and we had 2 picnics out in the parks so we could go further afield. He would always check with us what the itinerary was for the next day and made sure everyone was happy. Even driving between national parks was entertaining and he kept the lads busy by asking questions and getting them to test him on his knowledge of animals. We became very fond of him and we were all a bit weepy to say goodbye in Diani.
All in all I wouldn't hesitate in recommending Africa Safari Classics Ltd and Maurice to organise your trip of a lifetime.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great experience
Our safari trip was amazing. Richard and James were highly professional and were helpful at every stage. James was our driver and he definitely knew a lot about the area, the animals and the people. He was very patient and helped a lot on the road. In the way back home we heard other people in the airplain talking about their experience with other companies and how it was not as expected. I would recommend a safari trip with Mali Kale
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Stephen Odongo with Kichaka Tours was an excellent tour operator and I would highly recommend him!
I began my research for taking a safari to Kenya in the Fall of 2017. After emailing several companies, I started corresponding with Stephen Odongo of Kichaka Tours and Travel Limited. He always was very quick in responding to my questions and he helped me design a trip that met our needs and that was within our budget. We made a few adjustments to our hotel needs and Stephen was very prompt on adjusting our schedule. We were two senior-age couples from the US. Our safari began on May 31, 2018 and lasted for 15 days. We were able to visit eight National Parks and saw 4 of the 5 Big Five animals! We did not see the leopard. Each day was well planned with drive time between parks not being too long and those days with game drives were a lot of fun. We loved seeing all of the animals that we did! We had medium priced hotels and we were pleasantly surprised with them. Our driver/guide’s name was Appolo and we just adored him and he became a friend over the two weeks he spent with us. He dropped us at Diani Reef Resort for our last few days in Kenya and we were on our own their without Appolo. The resort was directly on the Indian Ocean with a beautiful view of the swimming pool and the ocean. We flew from Mombasa to Nairobi on our last day and Appolo met us at the airport. It was so good to see him again, like seeing a long lost friend again. We spent the afternoon seeing Nairobi and ate dinner at the Carnivore Restaurant before heading off to the airport for our return flight home to the USA. The only thing that I suggested to Stephen in planning a trip for seniors was to offer the option to fly into the Masa Mara instead of taking the safari van there. If the driver/guide could meet you at the airport there it would save you a lot of bad roads getting there. The whole safari was wonderful and I would highly recommend anyone planning a trip to Kenya to go with Stephen Odongo of Kichaka Tours. You won’t be disappointed. Ask for Appolo a your guide too! Loved it!
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Absolutely Brilliant Safari Experience
Kaiser took us on a 4 day Safari through Moremi Game, Khwai, Savuti to Kasane in September-2015. As we had preferred to do a self drive, Kaiser was asked to help with planning the route, campsite bookings and be our guide on the trip. He did more than just planning and organising the trip, he made sure he took us to all the possible spots to get maximum game sighting and as a result we were able to spot 33 Lions, 6 Leopards, Cheetahs, Wild dogs and many other animals during the trip. Kaiser knows the whole area by the back of his hand and has commendable knowledge of the Flora and fauna of the area... We would highly recommend his services as a guide and tour operator.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great tour company
We did this tour late July and the tour company was very good. They picked us up at our accommodation and dropped us back. Thabo was a great guide who was with us the whole time. He cooked lovely warm meals for us to eat. Would definitely recommend this 3day camping tour to Pilanesberg National Park.
NL
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Very well catered trip, very high service level always with a personal touch.
The safari was great, our guide was an expert on local wildlife so we didn't miss a thing
The big five, abundant birdlife, and the best views on stunning Serengeti sceneries. Could not have asked for more natural beauty.
Accomodations were of a very high level, very clean rooms and friendly people welcoming us.
Entertainment, generally a high service level and great food against the backdrop of Tanzania's most beautiful National Park. What more can one ask for?
Communication with the office was very straightforward and we've been helped very professionally with all our questions.
And plenty of care for our little one on top of that, no request was too much.
Very personal contact, we definately felt like VIPS and will definately be back with Tanzania Specialist!
CH
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic 3 days gorilla trekking in Bwindi National Park
We had a wonderful 3 days trip from Kampala to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to see gorillas. Everything went smooth and it has been a great experience. The driver was very responsible, a good guide and cared about his customers.
AE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic Tour and Safari
I have nothing but the best things to say about Trevaron. I wanted to take my wife on a Safari for her birthday.
The original path that Trevaron was great but we had a few things we wanted to do in Nairobi and also to extend our time in Masai Mara. Without any hesitation Trevaron accommodated all my requests and reorganized my trip.
The cherry on top was when I asked them to have the driver, who remained with us for the entirety of out trip, to have a Happy Birthday sign for when we arrive. To my wife's surprise he was there sign and all.
Trevaron met us at our hotel, walked us through everything and we were off. We had no issues at any point in our trip and were always in safe and capable hands.
This still remains one of our favourite trips we have ever been on.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
This was one of the best experience, that will remain memorable for me
Being my second time with the company, it was a great experience from the point of great and meet to the last day. Very organized and friendly staff